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Parks and landscape services detail school grounds maintenance, play area inspections and emergency response
Summary
Frank Fentress of the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation described a 63‑position team funded through the schools that provides mowing, playground inspections, athletic field prep and emergency snow/hurricane responses across school sites.
Frank Fentress, park and landscape services administrator for the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation, told the school board on Sept. 9 that his department provides extensive grounds and site maintenance to school properties via 63 positions funded by the schools.
"We provide landscape maintenance services at schools with 63 positions that are funded through the, through this board," Fentress said. He described a 16‑ to 18‑day mowing cycle, quarterly certified playground inspections for about 100 playgrounds and regular field irrigation and turf management for athletic facilities. Fentress said the department completed 70 tons of asphalt repairs at two school sites and substantial sidewalk renovation at Great Neck Middle School this summer.
He described emergency responses — including snow removal last winter and hurricane/tornado assessments — and said his larger Parks and Recreation department has about 350 employees who can be mobilized with the 63 school‑funded positions when needed to clear sites and support school openings.
Board members praised the grounds and athletics support and asked follow‑up questions about prioritization during inclement weather. Fentress explained the city’s prioritization: 24‑hour care and public safety facilities first, then city facilities needed for services, followed by schools once roads are cleared for safe bus operations.
Ending: Fentress said routine maintenance continues year‑round, the department supports curriculum and environmental projects (floating wetlands, green roofs and school gardens) and will continue emergency readiness work to keep school properties safe and available for students and community programs.
